I was left stunned by the news that Rob Lee had handed in a transfer request - a feeling that I'm sure was shared by many of the Toon Army.

Even now I'm still trying to understand why any player - least of all Rob Lee - would want to leave the club where they hold a regular first-team place and have the privilege of playing in front of 52,000 screaming fans each week

The apparent reason for Lee's decision was because of a disagreement between himself and the club over any new contract.

As I understand it, Newcastle are willing to negotiate in the New Year but Lee has labelled this as unacceptable, which puzzles me to say the least.

As far as I'm aware, by the time these talks would take place the player would still have several months left to run on his current deal therefore he cannot claim that he was going to be left in limbo by the club.

Therefore - and I realise what I'm about the say will be considered controversial to say the least - the only logical explanation I can see would be more money and the offer of a longer contract from a London-based club.

I realise that's a pretty damning criticism to make of a player who has spent over nine years on Tyneside but I can see no other logical explanation.

I'm also astonished at the way this whole saga has been carried out - namely Lee announced his intention to leave the club to the media before even telling his manager.

To me this smacks of contempt and the fact that he's willing to turn his back on the fans who have supported him all the way during his stay on Tyneside.

At the Reebok Stadium on Saturday the Toon Army were still singing his name - myself included - and despite knowing just how important he is to both the team and Bobby Robson, he is still prepared to walk out on the club at such a critical time in the new campaign. - Joseph Ayton, via e-mail.